msc in mathematical sciences (omms) · this handbook applies to students taking the msc in...
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MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS) and
MMath in Mathematics (Part C)
Course Handbook 2018-2019
This handbook applies to students taking the MSc in Mathematical Sciences1 or the MMath in Mathematics(Part C) in the academic year 2018-19. The information in this handbook may be different for studentstaking the MSc or MMath in other years.
The Examination Regulations relating to this course are available at http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/examregs/.
If there is a conflict between the information in this handbook and the Examination Regulations then youshould follow the Examinations Regulations. If you have any concerns please [email protected].
The information in this handbook is accurate as at 1 October 2018, however it may be necessary for changesto be made in certain circumstances, as explained at www.ox.ac.uk/coursechanges. If such changes aremade the department will publish a new version of this handbook together with a list of the changes andstudents will be informed.
Version 1.0
1The MSc in Mathematical Sciences is also referred to as the ‘Oxford Masters in Mathematical Sciences’ or ‘OMMS’.
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Welcome
Welcome to, or welcome back to Oxford! I hope the year ahead of you will be interesting and enjoyable andwill build on the mathematical knowledge you already have.
For the first year ever, we are running our new MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS) in parallel with ourfourth year undergraduate course (Part C). This is an exciting time for us in the Mathematical Instituteand the Department of Statistics, and we hope you will play your part in making this new venture a success.
The Mathematical Institute’s Andrew Wiles Building is still relatively new and we hope it will provide aninspirational setting in which to learn more mathematics and undertake research. It houses one of the largestand most successful mathematics departments in the world. The Statistics Department recently moved toits new home on St Giles’ and we hope the teaching spaces and interaction areas will provide a great place tolearn more probability and statistics. Oxford’s Mathematical Sciences submission was ranked overall best inthe UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (the UK’s system for assessing research excellence) andso you will have the opportunity to be taught by and work with internationally renowned mathematiciansand statisticians.
Once again, welcome to the OMMS and Part C programmes at Oxford, and best wishes for an enjoyableand successful year.
Dr Richard Earl, Dr Neil Laws and Dr Kathryn Gillow
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Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Key Sources of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Key Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 The Academic Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Finding Your Way Around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 The Masters Course 4
2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Aims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Learning Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Course Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4.1 MSc Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4.2 Part C students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4.3 Information for students offering a dissertation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Teaching and Learning 7
3.1 Organisation of Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Lectures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3.1 How to Get the Best Out of the Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3.2 Consultation Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.4 Dissertations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.5 Advice on Teaching and Learning Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.6 Skills and Learning Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.6.1 Expectations of Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.6.2 University Lectures and Departmental Seminars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.6.3 Skills Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.7 Key Teaching Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 Supervisors 11
4.1 MSc Students and Supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 Part C Students and College Tutors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 Dissertation Supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Examinations and Assessments 12
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5.1 Assessment of the Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1.1 Written Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1.2 Mini-Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1.3 Dissertation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 Examination Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.3 Preparing for Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.4 Examination Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.5 Examination Dates and Submission Deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.6 Plagiarism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.7 Examination Prizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.8 Key Assessment Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 Resources and Facilities 15
6.1 Departmental Work and Social Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.1.1 Mathematical Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.1.2 Department of Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2 Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2.1 College Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2.2 The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2.3 The Whitehead Library, Mathematical Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.2.4 Department of Statistics library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.2.5 Department of Computer Science library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.3 Computing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.3.1 Useful Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4 Careers Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.5 Language Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 Student Representation and Feedback 18
7.1 MSc students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.1.1 Student Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.1.2 Consultative Committee for Graduates – Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.2 Part C students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.2.1 Mathematics Undergraduate Representative Committee (MURC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.2.2 Joint Consultative Committee with Undergraduates (JCCU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.3 Divisional and University Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.4 Opportunities to Provide Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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7.5 Key Student Representation Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8 Student Support and Academic Policies 20
8.1 Where to Find Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.2 Complaints and academic appeals within the Departments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.2.1 Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.2.2 Academic Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.3 Buddy System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.4 Student Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.4.1 Invariants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.4.2 Mirzakhani Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.4.3 LGBTQubed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.5 Key Student Support Links and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.5.1 Departmental Links and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.5.2 University Links and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9 Policies 24
9.1 University Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.2 Departmental Safety Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.2.1 Mathematical Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
A Course Calendar 25
B Course list by term 26
C Recommended Pattern of Teaching 28
C.1 Part C Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
C.2 MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
D Glossary of Key Terms 31
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1 Introduction
This handbook contains important information about the Oxford Masters in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS)and the MMath in Mathematics (Part C). It is intended as a guide and reference for you throughout thecourse. There are a number of other sources of information that you will need to refer to during your courseand links to these are given below, together with a list of key contacts.
1.1 Key Sources of Information
Course website: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/The course webpage contains information on courses and examinations, as well as links to variousresources and support. An electronic copy of the course handbook can be found here.
Mathematical Institute website: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/
Department of Statistics website: http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/
Department of Computer Science website: http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/
Examination Regulations: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/examregs/The University’s examination regulations govern all academic matters within the University and con-tain the general regulations for the conduct of University examinations, as well as specific regulationsfor each degree programme offered by the University.
Examination Conventions: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/examinations-and-assessments/part-c-and-ommsThe examination conventions for the course set out how each unit will be assessed and how the finaldegree classification will be derived from the marks obtained for the individual units.
Oxford Student website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/This website provides access to a wide range of services and resources to support you during yourstudies.
Oxford Student Handbook: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/proctors/info/pam/This contains general information and guidance about studying at the University of Oxford, and givesyou formal notification and explanation of the University’s codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
College Handbook: The handbook for your college will be available on the college website.
1.2 Key Contacts
OMMS Course Director Dr Kathryn Gillow (tel: (6)15322)email: [email protected]
Director of Undergraduate Studies (Mathematical Institute) Dr Richard Earl (tel: (6)15202)email: [email protected]
Director of Studies (Department of Statistics) Dr Neil Laws (tel: (2)72597)email: [email protected]
Course Administrative Assistant Miss Victoria Waterson (tel: (6)15207)email: [email protected]
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Academic Administrator Mrs Charlotte Turner-Smith (tel: (6)15203)email: [email protected]
Deputy Academic Administrator Miss Gemma Proctor (tel: (6)15204)email: [email protected]
Mathematical Institute (tel: (2)73525)email: [email protected]
Department of Statistics (tel: (2)72860)email: [email protected]
Department of Computer Science (tel: (2)73838)email: [email protected]
1.3 The Academic Year
The course lasts three terms, from the beginning of October to the end of the following June. Work will berequired to be carried out during the Christmas and Easter vacations.
The Oxford academic year is split into three terms: Michaelmas term, Hilary term and Trinity term. Eachof these terms is eight weeks in duration. You will find that the weeks of each term will be referred to asWeek 1, Week 2, Week 3 and so on. For example, ‘lecture courses will begin on Monday of Week 1’. Theweek prior to the start of term is often referred to as Week 0 and the week after the end of term is referredto as Week 9.
For the academic year 2018-2019, the course begins with an induction on Tuesday 2nd October 2018. Thedates of the University Full Terms for the Academic Year 2018–2019 are:
Michaelmas term (MT) 2018: Sunday 7th October – Saturday 1st DecemberHilary term (HT) 2019: Sunday 13th January – Saturday 9th MarchTrinity term (TT) 2019: Sunday 28th April – Saturday 22nd June
Both Part C and MSc students are expected to be in Oxford in Week 0 of each term. For Week 9, thereis no expectation that students are to be in Oxford, though students may wish to use facilities, such as thelibrary, to help with their work. This will of course be dependent on college accommodation.
A calendar of important course dates is given in Appendix A.
1.4 Finding Your Way Around
Teaching for the course will take place in the Mathematical Institute (http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/about-us/travel-maps/), the Department of Statistics (http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/about-us/) andthe Department of Computer Science (http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/aboutus/directions.html). The postaladdresses for these departments are as follows:
Mathematical Institute:Andrew Wiles BuildingRadcliffe Observatory QuarterWoodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6GG
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Department of Statistics:24-29 St GilesOxfordOX1 3LB
Department of Computer Science:Wolfson BuildingParks RoadOxfordOX1 3QD
A searchable, interactive map of all of the University of Oxford’s colleges, departments and libraries can befound at the following link:http://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/map?wssl=1/
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2 The Masters Course
2.1 Overview
The Part C Mathematics course at the Mathematical Institute is offered in two modes, the MMath inMathematics (Part C) for Oxford undergraduate students and a 9 month graduate course for studentsoriginally from outside Oxford, titled the Oxford Masters in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS). The twomodes are both similar in content and similar in structure. If you are a Oxford MMath student, you willgraduate as a “Master of Mathematics”. If you are a student on the MSc course, you will graduate with an“MSc in Mathematical Sciences”.
Qualifications may be compared to national standards for higher education qualifications through the Frame-work for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). The University awards framework (UAF) maps theawards of the University against the levels of the FHEQ. The FHEQ level for the course is 7. The relevantsubject benchmark statement for the course, which sets out expectations about standards of degrees in a givensubject area, is Mathematics, Statistics & Operational Research (QAA 2015).
2.2 Aims
The Oxford Masters in Mathematical Sciences aims:
• to provide an internationally competitive mathematical education of excellent quality through a coursewhich attracts students of the highest mathematical potential;
• to provide such within a framework that is inclusive of the broad and interdisciplinary applications ofmathematics as well as recognizing the fundamental questions and themes of mathematics itself;
• to provide the foundations for graduate study through a research degree at a leading global university;
• to provide a learning environment which encourages and challenges the students to reach their fullpotential, personally and academically, by drawing on the expertise of the staff in teaching and research;
• to foster the advanced thinking, abstraction, problem-solving, mathematical modelling, technical andpresentational skills widely sought in a range of careers, including varied academic roles across manymathematical and scientific disciplines;
• to offer an opportunity to individually investigate an advanced topic of mathematics, statistics or amathematically related topic, and in writing a dissertation address the problems of communicating,presenting and organizing such a report.
2.3 Learning Outcomes
During the Masters course you will develop a knowledge and appreciation of:
• advanced topics of mathematics, statistics or related areas from a varied selection of courses;
• the diversity of mathematical and statistical approaches in a large, internationally successful researchcommunity;
• the organization and presentation required of submitting an extended piece of mathematical writing,if applicable.
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You will also have the opportunity to develop the following skills:
Intellectual Skills
• Advanced logical reasoning, abstract thinking and problem-solving skills
• Conceptualizing a more in-depth presentation of a mathematical topic
Practical Skills
• Ability to apply mathematical methods to practical problems and develop problem-solving skills
• Ability to construct, write up and communicate logical arguments of some complexity
Transferable Skills
• Ability to solve problems effectively and to apply high-level mathematical methods to a wide range ofproblems
• Ability to manage your time and to acquire a complex body of knowledge in a limited time
• Ability to manage your own learning and study for research or other professional qualifications
2.4 Course Structure
The lecture synopses outline prerequisites for the courses: advice is given for each course on backgroundmaterial which you will need to have studied in order to successfully embark on the course.
The structure of the two modes will be covered in your comprehensive induction programme. If you arean MSc student, you will also be offered detailed academic guidance from the Course Director, and yourSupervisor can provide further advice on choosing a path suitable for you. For Part C students, advice onacademic matters is provided by your college tutor, as in previous years.
Course lecturers will also be able to advise all students on the recommended background for their coursesor possible follow-up courses you might wish to choose.
2.4.1 MSc Students
You are required to take 8 units, of which 2 units will be a dissertation. You may take anadditional 1-2 units if you wish.A non-dissertation unit usually corresponds to a 16-hour lecture course, supplemented with 4 classes andcorresponding problem sheets. For students who take 8 units, all units will contribute towards the classifica-tion of the MSc. For students who take 9-10 units, their marks for the dissertation, together with the best 6other units, will contribute towards the classification. All additional units will appear on a final transcript.If you are considering taking additional courses, you are encouraged to discuss this with your departmentalsupervisor. At least 3 of the units taken by MSc student must be assessed by written examination. Fulldetails are given in the Examination Conventions (https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/examinations-and-assessments/part-c-and-omms).
Of the non-dissertation units, you may take Mathematics units, Statistics units, and up to 2 units from theDepartment of Computer Science.
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2.4.2 Part C students
You are required to take 8 units; you may take an additional 1-2 units if you wish.
A non-dissertation unit usually corresponds to a 16-hour lecture course, supplemented with 4 classes andcorresponding problem sheets. For students who take 8 units, all units will contribute towards the clas-sification of the MMath. For students who take 9-10 units, their best 8 units will contribute towardsthe classification. All additional units will appear on a final transcript. If you are considering takingadditional courses, you are encouraged to discuss this with your college advisor. Full details are givenin the Examination Conventions (https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/examinations-and-assessments/part-c-and-omms).
You must take at least four units from the schedule of Mathematical Institute units. You may offer up to4 units from the schedule of Statistics options, the schedule of Computer Science units and the scheduleof other options, but offer no more than two units from each of these schedules. You may offer a doubleunit which is a dissertation. If you offer the dissertation in a mathematics topic, this will be under theMathematics units. If the dissertation is on a mathematics-related topic, this would be offered under theschedule of Other Units. For students starting Part C in 2020-2021, the Dissertation will be compulsory.
2.4.3 Information for students offering a dissertation
Students undertaking a dissertation are advised that it is likely to work well if you take four units inMichaelmas term, and a further two units in Hilary term, when you will also be working on your dissertation.Dissertation topics will be circulated very early in the course, and you will be expected to choose a topicin Michaelmas term, and to work on the dissertation in Hilary term and over the Christmas and Eastervacations. The dissertations will be submitted in early Trinity term. You will then want to focus on revisingfor written examinations, which are at the end of Trinity term.
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3 Teaching and Learning
3.1 Organisation of Teaching
Teaching for the course will be provided jointly by the Mathematical Institute, Department of Statistics andDepartment of Computer Science through a series of lectures and classes. In addition, students offering adissertation will have supervision meetings for their dissertation with an allocated dissertation supervisor,usually alongside other students offering the same dissertation topic.
On arrival in Oxford, MSc students will be assigned both a departmental supervisor and a college personaltutor. Students will be able to seek guidance on academic matters from their supervisors, who will havebeen allocated based on a student’s interests. College tutors will be available to MSc students as a sourceof pastoral advice throughout the year.
Part C students will continue to receive both academic and pastoral advice from their college tutor. Beyondthis, however, the college will have no role in the teaching of the course.
3.2 Lectures
Depending on the options you take you will have around 6-8 hours of lectures per week. The lecture timetablefor each term will be made available at the following webpage http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/lecture-lists.
3.3 Classes
Lecture courses will normally be accompanied by four problem sheets and associated classes.
Classes will usually contain 8–12 students that will be split into two smaller workgroups of 4–6 students.The classes will be used to address the problem sheets set by the course lecturer and any other questionsthat have arisen from the course material. The arrangements of the classes are as follows:
Class 1 : A 45 minute workgroup concentrating on a problem sheet covering the introductory material ofthe first two lectures. This class will be run by the class teaching assistant (TA). The problem sheetwill be submitted prior to the class and marked by the TA. These classes will take place in Week 2 ofterm.
Classes 2 & 3 : A 90 minute class usually run by the class tutor with the assistance of the TA. The classeswill go over problem sheets 2 and 3 which will be submitted prior to the class and marked by the TA.These classes will take place between Weeks 4 and 8.
Class 4 : The final class will be 90 minutes and held by the tutor and TA. For the majority of courses,the class will take place in Week 1 of the following term. The exception being those courses thatare coursework assessed, which will have have all its the classes in one term. The final class willusually cover the final problem sheet in the first 30 minutes, with the final hour being more open-ended. Students are encouraged to email in questions arising from the problem sheets and other coursematerial. Problem sheet 4 will not be submitted prior to the class as solutions will be made availablein Week 0.
The formative feedback you will receive in the classes will help to prepare you for the formal assessments,which will be used to assess your overall performance on the course.
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For most courses you will need to sign up for the set of classes you wish to attend at the start of each term,and this is usually done via an online sign-up system. You will be sent an email in week 0 alerting you thatclass registration is open and providing you with details of the registration process. You can find out whichclass you have been allocated to by looking at the class lists for each department at the following links.
Mathematical Institute: https://minerva.maths.ox.ac.uk/perl/classlists.pl/
Department of Statistics: http://minerva.stats.ox.ac.uk/perl/classlists.pl/
Department of Computer Science: http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/minerva/class lists.pl/
3.3.1 How to Get the Best Out of the Classes
The classes work most productively when students are actively involved. By handing in your work promptly(for the first three classes), you can get feedback from the TA, but can also show where there are topics orquestions that you would like to focus on in class, which will help the tutor and TA when they plan theclass. You are encouraged to email the class tutor/TA ahead of the fourth class to indicate aspects youwould like to discuss in the class.
By actively participating in each class, you have a positive effect on others’ learning as well as your own.Please do join in with asking questions and discussing ideas – while of course recognising that others mayhave different priorities from you, so the discussion cannot always be tailored to your own agenda.
You will be allocated a workgroup for each course at the start of term. This should help you to connect withothers who are studying the same course, with the aim that you can find peers to work with between classes.You are actively encouraged to collaborate on grappling with the material and thinking about problems. Inorder to make sure that you learn as much as possible and do not inadvertently plagiarise, it is best to writeup your solutions independently, though, working together on questions can be a fruitful way of buildingmathematical understanding.
3.3.2 Consultation Sessions
Consultation sessions is a term used interchangeably with revision sessions. They take place between Weeks2 and 5 of Trinity term, often as four one-hour sessions spread across the four week period. A provisionaltimetable for the consultation sessions is usually published in early Week 0 of Trinity term at the follow-ing link: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/ba-master-mathematics/examinations-assessments/consultation.
You are free to attend as many sessions as you wish and there is no registration required for those ses-sions run at the Mathematical Institute. Consultation sessions at the Departments of Statistics andComputer Science operate independently from those at the Mathematical Institute and you may be re-quired to register for the sessions. Further details can be found on the consultation sessions webpage(https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/ba-master-mathematics/examinations-assessments/consultation).
To get the most out of these sessions, tutors will encourage students to email specific questions prior to thesessions and will often specify a specific past paper they will be covering. This will be communicated eitherdirectly through the mailing list or alongside the organisation of the classes on the timetable.
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3.4 Dissertations
MSc students will be required to offer a dissertation, worth two units, under the guidance of a supervisorwho will be a member of either the Mathematical Institute or the Department of Statistics. The dissertationis a double-unit and so is considered the equivalent of a 32-hour lecture course and the corresponding classes.The length of the dissertation should be up to 7,500 words, which normally equates to 25 – 35 pages.
A dissertation provides students with the opportunity to undertake an extended piece of independent studyand investigation, under the guidance of a supervisor. It involves investigating and then presenting in writinga particular area of Mathematical Sciences. You will not be required to (but may) obtain original results. Alist of possible dissertation topics, each linked to the name of the supervisor, will be circulated to studentsearly in Michaelmas term. Often more than one student will write a dissertation starting with the samedissertation title.
Normally students will consult the supervisor up to four times before the submission of the dissertationin early Trinity term. The first of these meetings is likely to take place before the Christmas Vacation,with some or all of the other students who have selected that particular dissertation title. At this meeting,broader aspects of the topic and possible avenues of investigation will be discussed.
There will be general guidance provided by the department on writing dissertations. This will include generallectures on dissertations by the Chair of Projects Committee, as well as lectures on writing in LaTeX.
Part C students may choose to offer a dissertation. Dissertations will be compulsory for Part C studentsfrom 2020-2021.
See Section 5.1.3 for further details. A copy of the Dissertation Guidance can be found on the course website(http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/).
3.5 Advice on Teaching and Learning Matters
MSc students will have a Supervisor, available for consultation on any academic matter. Your Supervisorwill usually be appointed from the subject area in which you specified an interest when you applied for thecourse. You will also be able to discuss academic matters with the Course Director.
Part C students can consult their college tutor for advice on academic matters. Both Part C and MScstudents can seek guidance on pastoral matters from their college tutor.
If you are concerned about your academic progress, please contact your college tutor or departmentalsupervisor, whichever applies. MSc students also have the option of consulting with the Course Director.
If you have any issues with teaching or supervision please raise these as soon as possible so that they canbe addressed promptly. Details of who to contact are provided in Section 8.2 Complaints and Appeals.
3.6 Skills and Learning Development
3.6.1 Expectations of Study
You are responsible for your own academic progress. Therefore, in addition to the formal teaching youreceive through lectures and classes, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed,independent study on problem sheets and to consolidate the material covered in lectures and classes. Youwill also be expected to work during the Christmas and Easter vacations, especially if you offer a dissertation.
You are advised to read the University’s guidance on undertaking paid work at http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/experience/. In general, it is recommended that students on the course do not undertake
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paid work alongside their studies.
3.6.2 University Lectures and Departmental Seminars
University lectures in all subjects are open to all students. A consolidated lecture list is available on theUniversity website at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/lectures/.
The Mathematical Institute run two weekly seminar series ‘Fridays@2’ and ‘Fridays@4’ with sessions onskills training, career development, and other topics. You are encouraged to attend. See https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/list/ for further details.
Each of the departments organise a variety of seminars and colloquia, often given by researchers of inter-national repute. These are announced on the departmental webpages (below) and you are encouraged toattend any which interest you.
Mathematical Institute: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/list/
Department of Statistics: http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/news-events/
Department of Computer Science: http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/news-events/
3.6.3 Skills Development
Much of the advice and training in study skills will come in the regular class teaching you receive. TheDepartments will run some sessions specifically for MSc and Part C students, and you will be contactedabout these. There will be general guidance provided by the department on writing dissertations. This willinclude general lectures on dissertations by the Chair of Projects Committee, as well as lectures on writingin LaTeX.
A wide range of information and training materials are also available to help you develop your academic skills– including time management, research and library skills, referencing, revision skill and academic writing –through the Oxford Student website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/.
3.7 Key Teaching Links
Lecture Timetable: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/lecture-lists/
Class Lists: https://minerva.maths.ox.ac.uk/perl/classlists.pl/ (Mathematical Institute)http://minerva.stats.ox.ac.uk/perl/classlists.pl/ (Department of Statistics)http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/minerva/class lists.pl/ (Department of Computer Science)
Dissertation Guidance Notes: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/teaching-and-learning/dissertations/
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4 Supervisors
4.1 MSc Students and Supervisors
All students will be assigned a general supervisor for the duration of the course. Supervisors are chosenwith the students’ interests taken into account.
As part of your induction to the course, an informal ‘Meet your Supervisor’ session will be run in week 0 ofMichaelmas term. This will serve as an introductory meeting between a student and their supervisor. If asupervisor is unavailable, they will nominate someone with similar mathematical interests to attend in theirplace.
Your academic progess will be monitored by your supervisor. Supervisors will submit termly reports onstudents’ progress via the Graduate Supervision Reporting (GSR). These reports are reviewed by the CourseDirector.
4.2 Part C Students and College Tutors
As fourth-year undergraduates, Part C students will continue to receive support from the college on academicand pastoral matters. Please refer to your college handbook for more information.
A Part C student’s academic progress throughout the year is monitored by their college tutor. Each termyour tutor will receive reports from the Part C class tutors through Minerva, a reporting system used bythe Mathematical Institute, Department of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science. Usually,you will meet with your college tutor at the end of each term to review these reports.
4.3 Dissertation Supervisors
Each dissertation topic will be associated with a member of faculty or a researcher at either the MathematicalInstitute or the Department of Statistics. Based on your topic allocation, the associated individual will beyour dissertation supervisor. For MSc students, it is possible that you might have the same individual actingas your departmental supervisor and dissertation supervisor.
Students will normally have an initial meeting with their supervisors at the end of Michaelmas term, allowingwork to be done on the project over the Christmas Vacation. This meeting is intended to be an introductionto the topic and an opportunity to discuss potential avenues of investigations. For this first meeting, thosestudents who have also been allocated the topic will be in attendance.
It is expected that students will meet with supervisors three further times in Hilary term. These will serveas opportunities to update your supervisor on the progress of your dissertation and any issues you may haveencountered. The supervisor will be able to give suggestions on how you can overcome these issues, as wellas advice on writing mathematics, if required.
Dissertation supervisors will act as an assessor for the project, thus, will not complete a read-through of thefinal dissertation. However, your supervisor will attend you oral presentation and will be able to providefeedback on content towards the start of the Easter Vacation.
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5 Examinations and Assessments
5.1 Assessment of the Course
All of the units you undertake will have a component of formal assessment: a written invigilated exam, atake-home mini-project, or the dissertation.
Each unit will be assessed by the method considered most suited to the material being taught. The coursesynopses specify the method of assessment for each course. Links to the course synopses for each departmentare located on the course website (http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/).
The assessment of the course is governed by the University’s Examination Regulations and the courseexamination conventions.
5.1.1 Written Examinations
Many courses are assessed by written examinations sat in Trinity term of each academic year. For Part Ccourses, the written examinations usually take place in weeks 6 and 7 of Trinity term. It is generally the casethat the lecturer of a course is the assessor for the corresponding examination. An assessor is responsiblefor the setting and marking of that paper under the oversight of a board of examiners and with anotherassessor checking the exam.
Assessment by examination at the end of the academic year gives students due time to process the lecturecourse’s concepts and develop the relevant techniques. Assessment at the end of the year also allows time forrevision and to place the course’s material alongside that of other related courses. Completion of questionsin the examination will require both a demonstration of the standard theory and techniques of the lecturecourse as well the ability to apply that theory/technique in somewhat new and unfamiliar ways.
General information on University examinations can be found on the Examinations and Assessment sectionof the University website (http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/exams/). Information on (a) the standardsof conduct expected in examinations and (b) what to do if you would like examiners to be aware of anyfactors that may have affected your performance before or during an examination (such as illness, accident orbereavement) are available on the Oxford Student website (http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams) and in Section TBC of the Examination Conventions.
5.1.2 Mini-Projects
Several of the courses are assessed by mini-projects. Such mini-projects are commonly used for coursesinvolving elements of programming, computing packages or data sets where it is felt that a timed, paper-based assessment would not be appropriate. The format of the mini-project can vary between courses andmight include a computation or written report.
The examiners will send out notices to candidates detailing where your work should be submitted, howmany copies you should submit, and what format your submission should be in (e.g. handwritten or word-processed). For certain courses, candidates will be required to submit an electronic copy. Details of thecourses to which this applies, and instructions on the online submission process will be included in the noticeto candidates.
It is vital that you submit your work by the given deadline as any late submission will be reported to theProctors and a late submission penalty may be applied (see section TBC in the Examination Conventions).Please refer to the examination conventions and the Oxford Student website (http://www.ox.ac.uk/
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students/academic/exams/submission/) for advice on what to do if you are unable to submit yourwork on time due to medical emergency or other urgent cause.
5.1.3 Dissertation
Each project will be double marked, with one of the two assessors being the supervisor. The two marks willbe reconciled through discussion between the two assessors and overseen by the examiners.
TWO copies of the dissertation, identified by your candidate number only, should be submitted to Exami-nation Schools by the stated deadline in Trinity term. These will be sent to the Chair of Examiners for MScin Mathematical Sciences or MMath Mathematics (Part C), whomever applicable.
A copy of the Dissertation Guidance can be found on the course website http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/.
5.2 Examination Conventions
Examination Conventions for the course are the formal record of the specific assessment standards for thecourse. They set out how each unit will be assessed and how the final degree classification will be derivedfrom the marks obtained for the individual units. They include information on marking scales, marking andclassification criteria, scaling of marks, formative feedback, resits and penalties for late submission. Theexamination conventions for 2018–19 can be found on the course website at http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/.
5.3 Preparing for Examinations
Each Part C course will have revision sessions, also known as consultation sessions, which take place inTrinity term. Further information can be found in Section 3.3.2 of this handbook.
The University maintains a collection of past papers on a webpage known as OXAM (https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/portal/site/:oxam/). Though the solutions are not available, these are still useful revisiontools with the problems often worked through during consultation sessions. The Mathematical Institutewebsite has a page of useful revision resources, including a document on preparing for Mathematics ex-ams. This page can be found at the following link https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/examinations-assessments/revision-resources.
5.4 Examination Entries
You will need to formally enter for the units you wish to be assessed on by completing an examination entryform. You will need to have completed this by Saturday 26th January 2019. This is done online throughStudent Self Service (https://evision.ox.ac.uk/) and further information on the process can be found athttp://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/entry.
When completing your examination entry you should try to ensure that the decisions you make are as finalas possible. However, if you subsequently change your mind about which courses you would like to beassessed on, then it is possible to make changes to your entry. To change an option after the examinationentry deadline has passed you must apply for permission in writing through your senior tutor or other collegeofficer using the change of options form available from your college office. You will need to pay a fee formaking a late change to your examination entry.
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If you have entered for assessments in additional courses (beyond the required eight units) but subsequentlydecide not to take the additional assessments, then you should inform your college office. You must do thisprior to either the examination date for written examinations or the submission date for coursework.
5.5 Examination Dates and Submission Deadlines
The calendar of important dates (Appendix A) gives the expected start dates for the invigilated writtenexaminations and coursework submission deadlines. The examination timetable for invigilated writtenexaminations will be set by the Examination Schools and published online at:http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/timetables/.
Exam results are normally conveyed to students through Student Self Service in late June or early July.Further information on results and re-sits can be found at the following link https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/results?wssl=1/.
5.6 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incor-porating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whetherin manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition. Plagiarism may be intentionalor reckless, or unintentional. Under the regulations for examinations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is adisciplinary offence. Please see the University’s guidance on plagiarism http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/plagiarism/ for further information.
5.7 Examination Prizes
All examination prizes are awarded by the examiners and no application is necessary. A list of previouswinners can be found online at: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/ba-master-mathematics/examinations-assessments/prizes/.
5.8 Key Assessment Links
Examination Regulations: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/examregs/
Examination Timetables: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/timetables
Online Submission: https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/
Past examination papers: http://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/portal/site/:oxam/
Past examiners reports: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/examinations-assessments/examiners-reports/ (Mathematical Institute)https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/portal/site/:mpls:stats:mmathba math:solutions:ug-examiners/page/63e1ed69-ccc2-43c3-832c-78f0fcd1481f?null/ (Department of Statistics)
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6 Resources and Facilities
6.1 Departmental Work and Social Spaces
6.1.1 Mathematical Institute
The Mathematical Institute is based in the Andrew Wiles Building based on Woodstock Road. The de-partment has one of the more modern buildings at the university and was designed in consideration of theMathematical mind, including the Penrose Paving outside the building. The mezzanine level of the buildingcontains six lecture theatres (L1-L6), which vary in size to cater for the department’s various needs, sixspacious classrooms (C1-C6) and the Mathematical Institute’s cafe.
The mezzanine space is also home to the Undergraduate and OMMS Study Room. The room contains anumber of computers and desks to facilitate quiet study within the Mathematical Institute. It also has anumber of power sockets for students wishing to use their own laptops and there is wi-fi throughout thebuilding.
The department’s cafe serves a range of food and beverages from 08:30 to 16:15 on Monday to Friday andcontains seating for 100.
• Breakfast 08:30–10:30: cereals, yoghurts, Danish pastries, fresh fruit, traditional English breakfast.
• Lunch 12:00–14:00: daily hot choices, hot deli sandwich, jacket potatoes, fresh soup and a range ofsandwiches, wraps and salads.
6.1.2 Department of Statistics
For those MSc students taking Statistics courses and dissertation topics, you will have access to the De-partment of Statistics, located a short walk from the Andrew Wiles Building on St Giles’. The recentlyrefurbished building has a large ground floor study area with kitchen facilities, as well as a departmentallibrary.
6.2 Libraries
6.2.1 College Library
The main source of borrowed books is your college library. College libraries generally purchase the bookswhich appear in the reading lists for many of the Part C courses. In practice, college libraries also providea good selection of the books listed as ‘further reading’, and, indeed, a wider selection of background andalternative reading, some of which have gone out of print.
Many college libraries have a number of copies of key books and are usually responsive to requests for newpurchases, but they need to be asked.
6.2.2 The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL)
Website: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/science/
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The Radcliffe Science Library is located on Parks Road and includes mathematics books at graduate andresearch level. The library is the science part of the Bodleian Library and your University Card will facilitateaccess.
Information about all University of Oxford libraries can be found at: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/subjects-and-libraries/libraries/
6.2.3 The Whitehead Library, Mathematical Institute
Librarian: Ms Cathy HuntEmail: [email protected]: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/library/
The Whitehead Library holds material covering mathematical topics at postgraduate and research level.Please contact the Librarian, Cathy Hunt, at the above email address, if you wish to consult a book thatis relevant for your dissertation and is only held by the Whitehead Library (and not held in your Collegelibrary or Radcliffe Science Library). You will be able to consult such books for reference, not borrowing.
6.2.4 Department of Statistics library
Email: [email protected]: http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/about-us/
Subjects covered include statistics, probability, operational research, mathematical genetics, and bioinfor-matics.
6.2.5 Department of Computer Science library
Email: [email protected]: http://intranet.cs.ox.ac.uk/library/
Subjects covered include formal methods, computer security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, auto-mated verification, quantum computation, computational biology.
6.3 Computing Facilities
The central IT Services are located at 13 Banbury Road and offer facilities, training and advice to membersof the University in all aspects of academic computing. You can attend training sessions run by the ITservices. More information can be found at http://www.it.ox.ac.uk/. The Guide to IT at Oxford forNew Users is available online at http://www.it.ox.ac.uk/want/get-started/.
Some University webpages are NOT available from outside the Oxford network. If you areregularly using a computer outside the Oxford network, you need to set up VPN. Instructionson how to do this can be found at:
http://help.it.ox.ac.uk/network/remote/index
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You will not be issued a departmental IT account. However, if you find that you are in need of de-partmental computing facilities, you are welcome to apply by contacting Academic Administration [email protected].
You will be allocated, or will have already been allocated a college email account. It is important that youeither access any Oxford email account regularly or set up a forward into an account that is read regularly.
Both the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Statistics operate email IT help request systems([email protected] and [email protected]) as a method of IT support.
6.3.1 Useful Links
IT support at the Mathematical Institute:
http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/it/support/
Conntecting to Wi-fi:
http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/it/faqs/connection/personal-device-wifi-network-connection
6.4 Careers Service
Careers guidance is provided by the Careers Service (http://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/), which also pro-vides training in writing applications and CVs, interview techniques and analysis of transferable skills. TheCareers Service provides information about occupations and employers, and advertises work experience op-portunities. The Careers Service can also advise students who are considering continuing their studies tocomplete a DPhil or a PhD.
In addition to its general programme, the Careers Service runs an annual ‘Jobs for Mathematicians’ half-day,usually in November, in collaboration with the Mathematical Institute. At this event there are talks fromalumni working in various industries and a talk for those interested in continuing on to further postgraduatestudy. Other events will be held during the year — including as part of the ‘Fridays@4’ seminar series (seeSection 3.6.3). Further information about postgraduate study opportunities can be found at the followinglinks:
Mathematical Institute: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study
Department of Statistics: http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/study-here/research-degrees/
Department of Computer Science: http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/index.html
6.5 Language Centre
The Language Centre provides resources and services for members of the University who need foreignlanguages for their studies or research, and for those who have a personal interest in languages. TheLanguage Centre runs a variety of language courses throughout the year and has a large library and self-study area.
Further information can be found at http://www.lang.ox.ac.uk/.
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7 Student Representation and Feedback
7.1 MSc students
7.1.1 Student Representation
MSc students will be able to nominate a representative to sit on the OMMS Supervisory Committee whichoversees the course. Volunteers will be sought at the Induction Session and an election held if necessary.The student representative will be able to raise matters with the Supervisory Committee on behalf of thecohort.
7.1.2 Consultative Committee for Graduates – Mathematics
The Consultative Committee for Graduates (CCG) meets once a term and discusses any matters thatgraduate students wish to raise. The committee considers syllabus, teaching arrangements, library facilities,office facilities and general aspects of examinations.
The committee consists of at least one student from each taught masters course and two Directors ofGraduate Studies. Students will be invited to nominate a representative to serve as the OMMS rep on thiscommittee via email in Michaelmas term.
7.2 Part C students
7.2.1 Mathematics Undergraduate Representative Committee (MURC)
The MURC is composed of students who represent the interests of Mathematics and joint school under-graduate students. It consists of a representative from each college. It holds regular meetings to discuss thevarious issues connected to academic organisation, including lectures, examinations and syllabus content. Itis a forum to allow students to raise issues with their courses. The views of this committee are channelledto the faculties and departments through the Joint Consultative Committee with Undergraduates.
A fourth-year undergraduate MURC representative will also sit on the OMMS Supervisory Committee.
7.2.2 Joint Consultative Committee with Undergraduates (JCCU)
The JCCU meets regularly once a term and discusses any matters that the MURC representatives wish toraise. In addition, it considers matters relating to the synopses and proposed changes of syllabus, and thestatistical feedback from questionnaires.
The membership of the JCCU consists of fourteen members of MURC appointed by MURC and repre-sentatives of the Departments of Mathematics and of Statistics. The committee is usually chaired by theDirector of Undergraduate Studies and the Secretary is an undergraduate member of the committee. Thiscommittee is available for consultation by the departments and by the divisional board on any matter whichrelates to the undergraduate courses. Minutes of the JCCU meetings taken by your student representatives,reports and feedback on student requests can also be found at http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/undergraduate-representation/jccu.
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7.3 Divisional and University Representatives
The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division also runs a divisional Undergraduate JointConsultative Forum, a divisional Graduate Joint Consultative Forum, and is establishing a Joint Consul-tative Forum for Graduate Taught Courses. Each Forum is chaired by the senior MPLS Academic who isresponsible for that area across the Division, an undergraduate or graduate representative from each de-partment, the undergraduate or graduate representative on the Academic Committee and Divisional Board,and the Oxford Union Student Union (Oxford SU) Vice-President (Access and Academic Affairs) or Vice-President (Graduates).
Student representative sitting on the MPLS Divisional Board are selected through a process organised byOxford SU. See http://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/study/applicants/student-representation.
For representation on a University level, further information can be found on the Oxford Student Unionwebsite (https://www.oxfordsu.org/education/representation/).
7.4 Opportunities to Provide Feedback
Students will be asked to complete questionnaires evaluating the teaching received for the lectures and classesof each unit. Please take time to complete these as your feedback is valuable for future course planning.In addition, students will be provided with the opportunity to give mid-term feedback for lecture courses.This will be a useful opportunity to highlight issues that can be resolved prior to the end of term.
MSc students, like all students on matriculated courses, will be surveyed on all aspects of their course(learning, living, pastoral support, college) through the annual Student Barometer. Previous results canbe viewed by students, staff and the general public at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/student-engagement?wssl=1.
Part C students will be invited to complete the National Student Survey (NSS) that assesses aspects of thewhole undergraduate degree.
Students will also be asked to complete an end of year questionnaire for the course and are invited to providefeedback on all aspects of the Masters course.
7.5 Key Student Representation Links
CCG: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/doctor-philosophy/consultative-committee-graduates/.
MURC: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/undergraduate-representation/murc
JCCU: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/undergraduate-representation/jccu
UJCF: http://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/study/applicants/student-representation
Feedback at the Mathematical Institute: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/undergraduate-courses/undergraduate-representation/questionnaires/
OUSU: http://ousu.org/
University Surveys: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/student-engagement?wssl=1
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8 Student Support and Academic Policies
8.1 Where to Find Help
Generally speaking for graduate students departments are the main source of academic support and collegesare the main source of pastoral support. Part C students will receive both academic and pastoral supportfrom their college.
Every college has their own systems of support for students, please refer to your college handbook or websitefor more information on who to contact and what support is available through your college.
Details of the wide range of sources of support available more widely in the University are available fromthe Oxford Student website (http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/), including in relation to mentaland physical health, and disability.
8.2 Complaints and academic appeals within the Departments
The University, the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, and the Mathematical Sciencesdepartments all hope that provision made for students at all stages of their course of study will result in noneed for complaints (about that provision) or appeals (against the outcomes of any form of assessment).
Where such a need arises, an informal discussion with the person immediately responsible for the issuethat you wish to complain about, and who may not be one of the individuals identified below, is often thesimplest way to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
Many sources of advice are available from colleges, faculties/departments and bodies like the CounsellingService or the OUSU Student Advice Service, which have extensive experience in advising students. Youmay wish to take advice from one of those sources before pursuing your complaint.
General areas of concern about provision affecting students as a whole should be raised through JointConsultative Committees or via student representation on the faculty/departments committees.
8.2.1 Complaints
If you wish to raise a concern or make a complaint, you should get in contact with either the OMMSCourse Director (Dr Kathryn Gillow), Course Administrative Assistant (Victoria Waterson), Acad-memic Administrator (Charlotte Turner-Smith) or Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies(Dr Richard Earl) and Prof Raphael Hauser for Maths, Dr Neil Laws for Stats). The aforementionedwill be able to pass on your complaint to the most relevant individual within the departments if necessary.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may take your concern further by making a formal complaintto the Proctors under the University Student Complaints Procedure (https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/complaints).
If your concern or complaint relates to teaching or other provisions made by your college, you should raise iteither with your tutor or with one of the college officers, Senior Tutor, Tutor for Graduates (as appropriate).Your college will also be able to explain how to take your complaint further if you are dissatisfied with theoutcome of its consideration.
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8.2.2 Academic Appeals
An academic appeal is an appeal against the decision of an academic body (e.g. boards of examiners,transfer and confirmation decisions etc.), on grounds such as procedural error or evidence of bias. There isno right of appeal against academic judgement.
If you have any concerns about your assessment process or outcome it is advisable to discuss these firstinformally with your subject or college tutor, Senior Tutor, Course Director, Director of Graduate Studies,supervisor or college or departmental administrator as appropriate. They will be able to explain the assess-ment process that was undertaken and may be able to address your concerns. Queries must not be raiseddirectly with the examiners.
If you still have concerns you can make a formal appeal to the Proctors who will consider appeals under theUniversity Academic Appeals Procedure (https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/complaints/).
8.3 Buddy System
The Buddy System is a departmental initiative to connect MSc students with a Part C student over thesummer before the start of the academic year. We have aimed to make these pairings based on colleges andwhere possible academic interests.
Once a MSc student has met the conditions of their offer, we will pass on the college email of their Part Cbuddy. The purpose of the system is to help integrate new students, as well as create community betweenMSc and Part C students. MSc students are welcome to email their Part C buddy before their arrival,though, there will be a tea and coffee break during Induction Week where you can meet in person.
8.4 Student Societies
There are number of Mathematical Sciences student societies which you may like to join. Details of themain societies are given below. In addition there are also over 200 clubs and societies covering a wide rangeof interest which you may join or attend. A full list is available at http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/clubs/list/.
8.4.1 Invariants
Invariants is Oxford University’s student society for Mathematics. Their goal is to promote Mathematics andprovide a social environment for the students of the Mathematical Institute. They hosts informal lectures,often given by leading mathematicians, as well as socials and puzzle competitions. The majority of eventsare held within the Andrew Wiles Building.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.invariants.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oxford.invariants/
8.4.2 Mirzakhani Society
The Mirzakhani Society is a society aimed at supporting female and non-binary students in Oxford who arestudying Mathematics. They run a weekly ‘Sip and Solve’ where individuals are encouraged to come along
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to do problem sheets, with the provision of tea and cake.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/MirzakhaniSociety/about/
8.4.3 LGBTQubed
LGBTQubed is a student group for all LGBTQ-identifying students at the Mathematical Institute, theDepartment of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science. The group aims to provide a friendlyspace to connect for both undergraduates and postgraduates. They meet fortnightly during term for tea,biscuits and a chat.
Email: [email protected]
8.5 Key Student Support Links and Contacts
8.5.1 Departmental Links and Contacts
Disability Co-ordinator (Mathematical Institute):Mrs Charlotte Turner-Smith ([email protected])
Information on Disability and Accessibility at the Mathematical Institute:https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/policies/disabilityhttps://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/building-information/accessibility
Information on Disability and Accessibility at the Department of Statistics:http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/student-resources/disability-and-access/
Harassment Advisors at the Mathematical Institute: Keith Gillow, Catherine Goodwin, Frances Kir-wan, Giacomo Micheli, Tom Sanders, Charlotte Turner-Smith, Petrona Winton
8.5.2 University Links and Contacts
University’s Disability Advisory Service: (tel: (2)80459)Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/disability
Careers Service: (tel: (2)74646)email: [email protected]
Counselling Service: (tel: (2)70300)email: [email protected]
Equal Opportunities Officer: (tel: (2)89825)email: [email protected]
Oxford University Student Union, Vice President (Welfare): (tel: (2)88452)email: [email protected]
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Proctors’ Office: (tel: (2)70090)email: [email protected]
Student Immigration (for international students):email: [email protected]: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa/Address: Examination Schools, High Street
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9 Policies
9.1 University Policies
The University has a wide range of policies and regulations that apply to students. These are easily accessiblethrough the A–Z of University regulations, codes of conduct and policies available athttp://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/regulations/a-z. Particular attention is drawn to the fol-lowing University policies.
Equal Opportunities Statement:http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/policy/equality-policy/
Intellectual Property Rights: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/rso/ip
Code on Harassment: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/harassmentadvice/policyandprocedure/
Policy on Plagiarism: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/plagiarism
Policy on recording lectures by students: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/edc/policiesandguidance/
9.2 Departmental Safety Policies
You are urged to act at all times responsibly, and with a proper care for your own safety and that of others.Departmental statements of safety policy are posted in all departments, and you must comply with them.Students should note that they, and others entering onto departmental premises or who are involved indepartmental activities, are responsible for exercising care in relation to themselves and others who may beaffected by their actions.
9.2.1 Mathematical Institute
In the Mathematical Institute accidents should be reported immediately to reception (tel: (2)73525) whokeep the accident book. There is a first aid room located on the ground floor of the South wing. If yourequire access to this room please report to reception.
Each lecture theatre has its own proper escape route and you are urged to familiarise yourself with these.Those for the Mathematical Institute lecture and seminar rooms, are set out online athttp://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/building-information/security-safety-and-reporting-building-issues/.In the case of evacuation of the lecture theatre give heed to the instructions of the lecturer.
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A Course Calendar
The Course Calendar will be updated throughout the year as dates are confirmed. For the most up-to-date version see https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/omms-part-c/course-calendar/.
Date Michaelmas term
Week 0, Tuesday OMMS Induction Session
Week 0, Wednesday Michaelmas term class registration opens
Week 0, Friday OMMS and Part C Induction Session
Week 0, Friday Dissertation abstracts published
Week 1, Monday Michaelmas term class registration closes
Week 1, Monday Lectures begin
Week 3, Friday Deadline for Dissertation topic preferences submission
Week 5, Monday Students notified of dissertation allocation (if applicable)
TBC Examination Entry for Michaelmas term courses
Week 8, Friday Lectures end
Date Hilary term
Week 0, Wednesday Hilary term class registration opens
Week 1, Monday Hilary term class registration closes
Week 1, Monday Lectures begin
TBC Examination Entry for Hilary term courses
Week 8, Friday Lectures end
Date Trinity term
Week 1, Monday Dissertation submission deadline (if applicable)
Week 2, Monday Consultation sessions begin
Week 5, Friday Consultation sessions end
TBC Examination period begins
TBC Examination period ends
TBC Leaving Party
Week 8, Friday Course ends
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B Course list by term
Course Department Weight Assessment Type Term
C1.1 Model Theory Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C1.2 G odel Incompleteness Theorems Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C1.3 Analytic Topology Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C1.4 Axiomatic Set Theory Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C2.1 Lie Algebras Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C2.2 Homological Algebra Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C2.3 Representation Theory of Semisimple
Lie Algebras
Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C2.4 Infinite Groups Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C2.5 Non-Commutative Rings Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C2.6 Introduction to Schemes Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C2.7 Category Theory Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C3.1 Algebraic Topology Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C3.2 Geometric Groups Theory Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C3.3 Differentiable Manifolds Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C3.4 Algebraic Geometry Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C3.5 Lie Groups Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C3.7 Elliptic Curves Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C3.8 Analytic Number Theory Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C3.9 Computational Algebraic Topology Maths Unit Mini-Project HT
C3.10 Additive and Combinatorial Number
Theory
Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C4.1 Further Functional Analysis Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C4.3 Functional Analytic Methods for PDEs Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C4.4 Hyperbolic Equations Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C4.6 Fixed Point Methods for Nonlinear
PDEs
Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C4.8 Complex Analysis: Conformal Maps
and Geometry
Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C5.1 Solid Mechanics Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C5.2 Elasticity and Plasticity Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C5.4 Networks Maths Unit Mini-Project HT
C5.5 Perturbation Methods Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C5.6 Applied Complex Variables Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C5.7 Topics in Fluid Mechanics Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C5.9 Mathematical Mechanical Biology Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C5.10 Mathematics and Data Science for De-
velopment
Maths Unit Mini-Project HT
C5.11 Mathematical Geoscience Maths Unit Written Examination MT
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C5.12 Mathematical Physiology Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C6.1 Numerical Linear Algebra Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C6.2 Continuous Optimisation Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C6.3 Approximation of Functions Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C6.4 Finite Element Method for PDEs Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C6.5 Theories of Deep Learning Maths Unit Mini-Project HT
C7.1 Theoretical Physics Physics Double Unit Written Examination MT + HT
C7.4 Introduction to Quantum Information Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C7.5 General Relativity I Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C7.6 General Relativity II Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C8.1 Stochastic Differential Equations Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C8.2 Stochastic Analysis and PDEs Maths Unit Written Examination HT
C8.3 Combinatorics Maths Unit Written Examination MT
C8.4 Probabilistic Combinatorics Maths Unit Written Examination HT
SC1 Stochastic Models in Mathematical Ge-
netics
Stats Unit Written Examination MT
SC2 Probability and Statistics for Network
Analysis
Stats Unit Written Examination MT
SC4 Advanced Topics in Statistical Machine
Learning
Stats Unit Written Examination HT
SC5 Advanced Simulation Methods Stats Unit Written Examination HT
SC6 Graphical Models Stats Unit Written Examination MT
SC7 Bayes Methods Stats Unit Written Examination HT
SC8 Topics in Computational Biology Stats Unit Written Examination HT
SC9 Interacting Particle Systems Stats Unit Written Examination MT
SC10 Algorithmic Foundations of Learning Stats Unit Written Examination MT
CCS1 Categories, Proofs and Processes CompSci Unit Mini-Project MT
CCS2 Quantum Computer Science CompSci Unit Mini-Project MT
CCS3 Automata, Logic and Games CompSci Unit Mini-Project HT
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C Recommended Pattern of Teaching
C.1 Part C Mathematics
Course structure: Students take the equivalent of 8 units at Part C. The schedule of Part C units isdivided into Mathematics units, Statistics units, Computer Science units and Other units. Students mustoffer at least four Mathematics units and may offer up to four units from from the remaining schedulesbut with no more than two from each category (Statistics units, Computer Science units, Other units).Students may offer a double unit which is a Dissertation. For students starting Part C in 2020-21 onwardsthe Dissertation will be compulsory.
Paper Term Dept College Comments
Lec
ture
s
Cla
sses
Tu
tori
als
Cla
sses
Mathematics Units
C1.1–C8.4 MT/HT 16 4
CCD Dissertation on MT/HT 2 4 The balance of tutorials between MT and
a Mathematical Topic ? HT is agreed between the student and the
supervisor.
Statistics Units
SC1–SC8 MT/HT 16 4 Taught by Dept. of Statistics.
Computer Science Units
Categories, Proofs and Processes MT 20 7 Taught by Dept. of Computer Science.
Quantum Computer Science MT 24 7 Taught by Dept. of Computer Science.
Automata, Logic and Games HT 24 7 Taught by Dept. of Computer Science.
Other Units
COD Dissertation on a MT/HT 2 4 The balance of tutorials between MT and
topic related to mathematics ? HT is agreed between the student and the
supervisor.
Notes:
Intercollegiate classes are arranged in place of college tutorials for the Mathematics, Statistics
and Computer Science lecture courses. For some lecture courses, there may not be sufficient students
to run an intercollegiate classes and tutorials will be arranged instead. It is recommended that 4
hours of tutorials are provided for a 16 hour lecture course. Colleges may decide to opt out of the
intercollegiate class scheme and teach their students in tutorials for a particular course.
In addition to the classes, drop-in consultation sessions are arranged in Trinity term by way of revision
for those lecture courses assessed by written examination. Please note that courses marked with
a ? are double units.
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Please note that in the case of teaching provided by colleges, these figures are the departmental recommen-dations only and individual colleges may provide different amounts of types of teaching than those statedabove for a variety of reasons (e.g. individual student needs or differing number of contact hours dependingon tutorial group size).
C.2 MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS)
Course structure: Students take the equivalent of 8 units, including the compulsory two unit Dissertation,and an additional 1–2 units if they wish to do so. The schedule of units available to Masters students isdivided into Mathematics units, Statistics units, Computer Science units and Other units. Students canoffer offer units from the Mathematics schedule and Statistics schedule, as well as up to two units from theComputer Science schedule. Students must offer a Dissertation which is a double unit.
Paper Term Dept College CommentsL
ectu
res
Cla
sses
Tu
tori
als
Cla
sses
Mathematics Units
C1.1–C8.4 MT/HT 16 4
CCD Dissertation on MT/HT 2 4 The balance of tutorials between MT and
a Mathematical Topic ? HT is agreed between the student and the
supervisor.
Statistics Units
SC1–SC8 MT/HT 16 4 Taught by Dept. of Statistics.
Computer Science Units
Categories, Proofs and Processes MT 20 7 Taught by Dept. of Computer Science.
Quantum Computer Science MT 24 7 Taught by Dept. of Computer Science.
Automata, Logic and Games HT 24 7 Taught by Dept. of Computer Science.
Other Units
COD Dissertation on a MT/HT 2 4 The balance of tutorials between MT and
topic related to mathematics ? HT is agreed between the student and the
supervisor.
Notes:
Intercollegiate classes are arranged in place of college tutorials for the Mathematics, Statistics
and Computer Science lecture courses. For some lecture courses, there may not be sufficient students
to run an intercollegiate classes and tutorials will be arranged instead. It is recommended that 4
hours of tutorials are provided for a 16 hour lecture course. Colleges may decide to opt out of the
intercollegiate class scheme and teach their students in tutorials for a particular course.
In addition to the classes, drop-in consultation sessions are arranged in Trinity term by way of revision
for those lecture courses assessed by written examination. Please note that courses marked with
a ? are double units.
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Please note that in the case of teaching provided by colleges, these figures are the departmental recommen-dations only and individual colleges may provide different amounts of types of teaching than those statedabove for a variety of reasons (e.g. individual student needs or differing number of contact hours dependingon tutorial group size).
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D Glossary of Key Terms
A list of useful terms for those new to Oxford.
Battels: The charges made to a member of a college (student or Fellow) for accommodation, meals etc.
Coming up/Going down: Arriving at Oxford at the beginning of the term/leaving at the end of term.
Consultation Sessions: Revision sessions that take place in Weeks 2-5 of Trinity term.
Consultative Committee for Graduates (CCG): A committee consisting of postgraduate representa-tives from the Mathematical Institute and the departments two DGS’s.
Degree Days: Various days throughout the year on which students may graduate.
DGS: Director of Graduate Studies.
Don: A professor, a lecturer or a Fellow.
Examination Conventions: The Examination Conventions act as a supplement to the Examination Reg-ulations. The Conventions explain how a student will be assessed for their course within the frameworkof the Examination Regulations.
Examination Regulations: Sometimes referred to as the ‘Grey Book’, the Examination Conventionsgovern all academic matters within the University.
Examination Schools: A building located on High Street where Exams often take place.
Invariants: A student-run society at the Mathematical Institute.
GSO: Graduate Studies Office, part of the central University.
GSR: Graduate Supervision Reporting. Supervisors will submit termly reports through GSR on theirstudent’s academic progress.
Hilary term: The second term of an academic year, running from January to March.
Intercollegiate Classes: Each Part B and C lecture course is accompanied by a set of intercollegiateclasses which total to 6 hours. These will be run by a tutor and teaching assistant (TA) and will coverany problems that have arisen from the problem sheets.
Lecturer: Lecturers are those who have the responsibility to present lectures.
LGBTQubed: A group of students aiming to provide a friendly environment for those LGBTQ-identifyingindividuals studying within the Mathematical Sciences.
Matriculation: Matriculation confers membership of the University on those students who are enrolled atthe University of Oxford and following a degree-level course.
MCF: Masters in Mathematical and Computational Finance. A MSc course run at the MathematicalInstitute.
MFoCS: Masters in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science. A MSc course run jointly by theMathematical Institute and the Department of Computer Science.
Michaelmas term: The first term of an academic year, running from October to December.
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Mini-Project: Also known as a take-home exam, which is to be completed within a specified amount oftime.
Mirzakhani Society: A society at the Mathematical Institute for female and non-binary students.
MMSC: Masters in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing. A MSc course run at the Mathe-matical Institute.
MPLS: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
MTP: Masters in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. A MSc course run jointly by the MathematicalInstitute and the Department of Physics.
Oxford SU: Oxford University Student Union.
Papers: Constituent parts of an examination.
Part C: The term given to the fourth year undergraduate students studying for an integrated Masters.Part C is used to describe the courses that are open to these students.
Proctors: The two Proctors (Senior and Junior) are elected each year by colleges in rotation to serve forone year. The statutes provide that they shall generally ensure that the statutes, regulations, customs,and privileges of the University are observed. They serve on the University’s main committees, andwhere not members of committees, may receive their papers and attend meetings but not vote. Theyhave responsibilities under the statutes and regulations for aspects of student discipline, for ensuringthe proper conduct of examinations and for dealing with complaints. They also carry out ceremonialduties, e.g. at degree ceremonies.
Student Self Service: Student Self Service allows a student to access their student record and completeother tasks such as examination entry.
Sub fusc: Formal attire worn by students and academics on formal occasions, including matriculation,examinations and graduation.
Trinity term: The third term of an academic year, running from April to June.
Vac: Abbreviation of vacation.
Week 0: The week preceding the start of each term. Week 0 in Michaelmas Term is sometimes referred toas ‘noughth week’.
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